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Intangible Cultural Heritage 1 EXT.COM
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ITH/07/1.EXT.COM/CONF.207/INF.1Paris, 20 April 2007Original: English/French
UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE FOR THE SAFEGUARDING OF THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
First Extraordinary SessionChengdu, China - 23 to 27 May 2007
GENERAL INFORMATION
This document provides information on travel to China, the venue, compulsory visas, travel, accommodation and general information.
Information is also available on the Internet at:
http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/1EXTCOM/
CONTENTS
1 FIRST EXTRAORDINARY SESSION1.1 States Members of the Committee1.2 Functions of the Committee1.3 Invitation from China
2 THE CHINESE ORGANIZERS AND THEIR SECRETARIAT3 PROGRAMME AND RELATED EVENTS4 TRAVEL VISA, AIRPORT TAXES, ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
4.1 Travel Visa and Insurance4.2 Airport Taxes4.3 Airport Arrival and Departure4.4 Airport Transportation
5 VENUE6 PARTICPANTS, REGISTRATION, SECURITY
6.1 Participants6.2 Registration6.3 Security
7 RECOMMENDED HOTELS8 EXCURSION9 CONFERENCE SERVICES AND FACILITIES
9.1 Public Office Space9.2 Medical Services
10 GENERAL INFORMATION10.1 Brief introduction to Chengdu10.2 Currency 10.3 Driving 10.4 Electricity 10.5 Postal Service10.6 Time10.7 Weather
LIST OF ANNEXESANNEX A: Provisional Agenda and Programme of Activities
ANNEX B: Registration Form for the first extraordinary session of the Committee
(23-27 May 2007)
ANNEX C: Registration Form for the Excursion
(28 May 2007)
ANNEXE D: Crowne Plaza Chengdu Information Sheet
1 FIRST EXTRAORDINARY SESSION
1.1 The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage consists of representatives of the 24 States Parties to the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, elected by the General Assembly of States Parties to the Convention.
The Committee is composed of the following 24 Members:
Group I: Belgium, France and Turkey
Group II: Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary and Romania
Group III: Bolivia, Brazil, Mexico and Peru
Group IV: China, India, Japan and Viet Nam
Group V(a): Gabon, Mali, Nigeria, Central African Republic and Senegal
Group V(b): Algeria, Syrian Arab Republic and United Arab Emirates
1.2 The main task of the Committee, at its first extraordinary session, will be to pursue the discussions initiated in Algiers in 2006. The main items of the agenda will be: the selection criteria for inscription of intangible heritage on the lists of the Convention, the incorporation of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in the Representative List, the Financial Regulations, the accreditation of advisory organizations and the visibility of the Committee’s action.
1.3 At its first ordinary session, held in Algiers, Algeria, in November 2006, the Committee accepted the offer by the Chinese Government to hold its first extraordinary session in Beijing, China from 23 to 27 May 2007. Following the decision of the Chinese authorities, this session will take place in Chengdu, China.
THE CHINESE ORGANIZERS AND THEIR SECRETARIAT
2.1 China will host the first extraordinary session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chengdu. All relevant information will be posted on the internet at: http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/1EXTCOM/
2.2 Chinese Organizing Committee in Chengdu
Contact Address: Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture10 Yongling Road Chengdu, SichuanP.R. China
Contact Persons: Mr DENG Xianfu Ms ZHOU Rui
E-mail: [email protected]
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3 PROGRAMME AND RELATED EVENTS
For the provisional agenda and programme of activities of the first extraordinary session of the Intergovernmental Committee, see Annex A.
4 TRAVEL VISA AND INSURANCE, AIRPORT TAXES, ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
4.1 Travel Visa and Insurance
Concerning visas and other formalities for entering China, please contact the Chinese consulate or mission in your city/country directly. The letter from UNESCO addressed to all Member States of UNESCO can be used when applying for a visa. Alternatively, the departments concerned in your country can issue a letter of confirmation as an attachment. Please note that no personal letters of invitation can be provided for this purpose and that only the Chinese authorities may determine whether a visa is granted. Every participant is required to hold a valid passport and to obtain the visa and entry permission for entering China.
It is recommended that participants obtain travel insurance coverage prior to arriving in China.
4.2 Airport Taxes
Air China offers worldwide flight service to Chengdu via Beijing or Shanghai. More than 10 daily flights are available from Beijing or Shanghai to Chengdu. Other companies also have regular flights to China. The airport taxes are included in the air ticket price.
4.3 Airport Arrival and Departure
A welcome desk at Shuang Liu International Airport (Chengdu) will be open from 10 am to midnight from 21 to 23 May, 2007. Please look for the Chinese Organizing Committee Signal Board
4.4 Airport transportation
The Secretariat of the Chinese Organizing Committee will provide special shuttle buses for participants from the airport to the recommended hotels (see item 7) and back to the airport at the end of the meeting. The Chinese Organizing Committee advises participants not to go alone to the hotels but to take the shuttle buses. In order to organize this properly, the participants are invited to fill out the form in ANNEX C
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indicating their flight numbers as well as the date and time of arrival and departure to and from Chengdu.
5 VENUE
The venue of the session is the Crowne Plaza Chengdu, 31 Zong Fu Street, Chengdu. It is located in the centre of Chengdu, 30 minutes from the Shuang Liu International Airport.
Crowne Plaza Chengdu31, Zong Fu StreetChengdu610016 SichuanP.R. ChinaTel : 00-86-28-8678-6666Fax : 00-86-28-8678-9789E-mail : [email protected]
6 PARTICIPATION, REGISTRATION, SECURITY
6.1 Participants
(i) Main Participants
The main participants of the first extraordinary session of the Intergovernmental Committee will be the 24 Members of the Committee.
(ii) Representatives and observers
a) States Parties to the Convention which are not Members of the Committee may attend the Committee session as observers.
b) States not party to the Convention which are Member States of UNESCO or of the United Nations may also be permitted by the Committee, upon written request, to attend the session of the Committee as observers.
c) The United Nations and organizations of the United Nations system, as well as, other international governmental and non-governmental organizations, permanent observer missions to UNESCO and non-profit-making institutions active in the fields covered by the Convention, may be authorized by the Committee, upon written request, to participate in the session of the Committee as observers.
6.2 Registration
All participants are encouraged to pre-register through the Secretariat to ensure the preparation of an accurate list of participants. Please send the registration form (Annex B) duly completed to Ms Samira Zinini ([email protected]), before 1 May 2007. The registration form may also be submitted electronically at:
http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/1EXTCOM/
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From 9 a.m, 22 May, 2007, participants can register for the Committee session at the reception desk located in the lobby in the Crowne Plaza Chengdu. Every participant will be given a bag containing information on the Committee session and a badge.
6.3 Security
Badges are not transferable. For security purposes, participants are kindly requested to wear their badges at all times, during meetings and related activities. Access to the event will be denied to any individual who is not officially accredited or who uses a badge improperly.
7 RECOMMENDED HOTELS
The Chinese Organizing Committee recommends two hotels in Chengdu, the Crowne Plaza Chengdu, the meeting venue, and the Sichuan Hotel, linked by an underground passage to the Crowne Plaza Chengdu. Participants should make reservations directly with one of these hotels, by telephone, fax or e-mail. In order to receive specially negotiated room rates for the types of rooms detailed below, participants are invited to reserve their rooms before 1 May by referring to booking code “UNCD”. All participants are responsible for their own costs, including accommodation and other expenses, such as telephone, facsimile, laundry etc, during their stay.
Hotel : Crowne Plaza Chengdu (Venue)Stars : 5 starsAddress : 31, Zong Fu Street, Chengdu, 610016 Sichuan, P.R. ChinaTelephone : 00-86-28-8678-6666Fax : 00-86-28-8678-9789E-mail : [email protected] Types/Rates : Complete Home Office: $ 99,99
Crown Plaza Club: $ 149,99
Hotel : Sichuan Hotel
Stars : 4 stars for Main building3 stars for West and South Wings (South Wing located across the street)
Address : 31, Zong Fu Street, Chengdu, 610016 Sichuan, P.R. ChinaTelephone : 00-86-28-8678-6666Fax : 00-86-28-8678-9789E-mail : [email protected] Types/Rates : Main building
Standard Twin Room: $ 81,99Standard King Room: $ 81,99
South Wing Standard Twin Room : $ 49,99
West Wing Deluxe King Room : $ 75,99Standard Twin Room : $ 49,99
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If participants would like to make reservations for other types of rooms, they can do so through the following website:
Crowne Plaza Chengdu: www.crowneplaza.com
8 EXCURSION
After the Committee meeting, on Monday 28 May 2007, the Chinese Organization Committee proposes a visit to the Du Jiang Yan Irrigation system, a World Heritage site, the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center and the Jin Sha Relics Museum.
Please refer to Annex A for details; you may confirm your participation in this excursion by returning the registration form (see Annex C and http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/1EXTCOM/) to Ms Samira Zinini ([email protected] ) before 7 May 2007.
9 CONFERENCE SERVICES AND FACILITIES
9.1 Public office space
The Chinese Organization Committee will provide a Public Office Space for the participants during the session. The space will be equipped with computer (with Internet access) and printers. Staff will be available to provide technical assistance. WiFi network is available at Crowne Plaza Chengdu as well as free Internet access in all rooms of the Crowne Plaza Chengdu and Sichuan Hotel.
9.2 Medical Services
During the session, a special rescue team and ambulance with complete facilities will be available in case of emergencies. A special clinic (tel: 00-86-786666-705) will be set up in the hotel. Moreover, the Chinese Organizing Committee has made special arrangements with a hospital near the Crowne Plaza Chengdu.
10 GENERAL INFORMATION
10.1 Brief introduction to Chengdu
Chengdu, located in south-west China, is the capital of the Sichuan province and one of China’s most important economic centers and transportation and communication hubs. The 2,300-year old city has a rich culture. The fertile Chengdu Plain is called Tianfu zhi guo in Chinese, which literally means “the country of heaven”. The total area of Chengdu, the city of hibiscus, is 12,300 km² with a population of over 10 million.
Founded in 316 BC, Chengdu has retained its original name over the centuries as well as its role as capital and political, commercial and military centre of the Sichuan area (Shu). The river Jĭn Jiāng, crossing Chengdu, got its name from the brocade industry flourishing in Chengdu since the Han Dynasty (25-220).
Within Chengdu’s jurisdiction are Qionglai city, Chongzhou city and Pengzhou city, all of which are listed as “Cities of Rich Cultural and Historical Heritage” by the government of
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Sichuan province. In 2000, the Du Jiangyan Irrigation System and the Qingcheng Mountain (birthplace of Taoism) were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Chengdu is the place where the Chinese bronze culture originated, where the Southern Silk Road started, and where the earliest paper currency was printed. In addition to its rich history, culture, places of interest and its natural beauty in the environs, the region is also the natural habitat of giant pandas. Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2006. Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center is the only giant panda breeding and research base in the world.
10.2 Currency
Exchange rate as of March 2007: 1 US dollar = 7,373 RMB Yuan; 1 Euro = 10,285 RMB Yuan
There is no limitation for carrying foreign currencies into China. But travellers who carry more than 5,000 US dollars in cash into China must make a declaration to customs. Duly declared, foreign currencies are allowed to be brought out of China, otherwise only 5,000 US dollars or less can be carried out of China. Tourists are only allowed to carry 6,000 RMB Yuan in and out of China. For any RMB Yuan converted into foreign currency prior to leaving China, the tourists must present the receipts of foreign exchange.
Most international currencies and travellers’ checks can be converted in major banks, hotels and international airports. The normal working hours of the banks are: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. Most major credit cards are accepted in most of the hotels and shopping malls. Some credit cards (including Visa and MasterCard) can be used at the ATM of the Bank of China.
A cash machine accepting all major credit cards is located in the lobby of the Crowne Plaza Chengdu.
10.3 Driving
China has not joined the 1949 Convention on Highway Transportation. Therefore participants holding an international driving license who stay in China for a short period are not allowed to drive cars in China.
10.4 Electricity
The power supply in China is 220-240 volts, 50 hertz. Hotels provide 110V or 220V sockets for electric appliances. For participants who require adaptors, the hotel will be glad to provide them.
10.5 Postal Service
Post offices generally are open every day from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. A Postal and Courier Service is available at the Crowne Plaza Chengdu.
10.6 Time
The Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT.
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10.7 Weather
The Chengdu climate can be hot at this time of the year. Average temperatures in late May vary from 16 to 27° C (62 to 81° F), with a possibility of rain. The participants are advised to bring light summer clothes.
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ANNEX APROVISIONAL AGENDA AND PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES
First extraordinary session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
Wednesday 23 May
8.30 am Transfer to Tian Fu Square
9 - 10.30 am Opening ceremony of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage International Festival – Chengdu, China” (Tian Fu Square)
10.30 - 11 am Transfer to Crowne Plaza Chengdu
11 am- 12 pm Opening ceremony of the first extraordinary session of the Intergovernmental Committee
12 - 1 pm Committee session
2.30 - 6.30 pm Committee session
7.30 pm Transfer to Golden Opera House
8 - 9.30 pm Gala on China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage
Thursday 24 May
9.30 am – 1 pm Committee session
3 - 6 pm Committee session
7.30 pm Welcome banquet hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Culture
Friday 25 May
9.30 am – 1 pm Committee session
3 – 6 pm Committee session
7.30 pm Welcome banquet hosted by the Sichuan Provincial Government and Chengdu Municipal Government
Saturday 26 May
9.30 am – 1 pm Committee session
3 - 6 or 8 pm Committee session
Sunday 27 May
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9.30 am – 1 pm Committee session
3 – 6 pm Committee session - Closure
Monday 28 MayExcursion organised for the participants by the Chinese Organization Committee
7.30 – 10.30 pm Visit of Du Jianyan Irrigation System, World Heritage Site
10.30 am – 1 pm
1 – 2.30 pm
Visit of the National Theme Park of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Banquet, hosted by the Chengdu Jinniu District Government
2.30 - 4.00 pm
4. – 6 pm
Visit of the Jin Sha Relics Museum
Visit of the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center
7.00 pm Back to the hotel
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ANNEX B (electronic version available online)
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ANNEX C (electronic version available online)
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ANNEX D
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